Bluetooth headsets let users primarily talk on the phone or listen to music without wires. They’re based on a radio technology called Bluetooth, which allows different kinds of gadgets to connect and exchange data with each other. Headsets are particularly popular with drivers, because they make hands-free calls possible.

Usage

Most headsets can be divided into two categories: those that are designed to work with mobile phones or media players. The first type is much smaller, and are mainly used with only one ear. The second usually look similar to normal wired headphones (a headband-type assembly that goes over both ears) are much larger, and feature better audio quality.

Regardless of the Bluetooth headset type, there are volume controls built into the unit and a button that “pairs” the headset for use with other devices, more often than not right on the earpiece. This makes it possible to control the audio level and connect to devices by touch, without removing the headset. Whatever buttons are also built into the gadget depends on the headset type.

For phone headsets, there are additional controls to accept, reject, or end calls. These allow the user to take calls without retrieving the phone from their pocket. Some phone headsets even say the name of the caller or the incoming phone number out loud, so that the user knows whether to accept to take the call or not, without looking at the phone’s screen.

On headsets designed for listening to music, there are next, back, and the play/pause buttons. They allow full control over the playback experience, and let users select their preferred song without looking directly at the media player.

Both phone and music headsets can accept calls and play music back—both capabilities are built into any kind of Bluetooth headset. But the latter category is more specialized, because there are more controls built into the gadget itself.

Talk Time and Standby Time

To give buyers an idea of how long their product will last between charges, Bluetooth headset manufacturers quote Talk Time and Standby Time figures. The first represents how long the battery should last if the headset is actually used, while the second is an estimate of how long the headset will stay on when not in use.

Since no one uses headsets all the time, or keep them on without using them, the actual battery life of these devices lie somewhere between the talk and standby times. Only an in-depth review and actual testing will determine just how long a Bluetooth headset actually lasts on a fully charged battery.

Charging

Like most mobile phones on the market today, almost all contemporary Bluetooth headsets are charged through their microUSB port. The convenient advantage is obvious: you can use the same cable you charge your phone with to power the Bluetooth headset. It’s for this reason alone that you should always get a Bluetooth with a microUSB port.

As with phones make sure you unplug the charger once the headset battery is full (a fact usually indicated by a light on the unit itself). Leaving the charge plugged despite a 100% level may shorten the battery life of the headset prematurely.

Other Things to Consider

Consider this your etiquette guide to using Bluetooth headsets. There’s a growing consensus that even though headsets allow for hands-free talking, doing so while driving is still dangerous, because your attention isn’t completely on the road. Recent safety recommendations don’t prohibit the use of headsets by drivers, but instead ask them to pull over to the side before receiving or making calls.

Another thing to keep in mind is that a Bluetooth headset doesn’t give you license to talk anywhere at anytime. You should still keep your voice down when on a call, so that you won’t disturb people around. Bluetooth headset microphones are actually quite sensitive, so in most cases you don’t have to raise your voice to be heard.